Saturday, August 1, 1998 Published at 00:33 GMT 01:33 UKUKPolice announce anti-racist reformsJohn Grieve will upgrade investigations into race crimeJohn Grieve, the former head of Scotland Yard's anti-terrorist squad, will head a new Racial and Violent Crime task force in the Metropolitan Police.

The task force is one of several measures outlined by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Condon at the Lawrence inquiry.

Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death at a south London bus stop

Black teenager Stephen Lawrence was killed in South London in 1993.

The investigation into his death failed to bring any convictions. Three youths charged with his murder were acquitted through lack of evidence.

The situation has led to accusations of racism and corruption in the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Grieve said that although the new position would be the most difficult and challenging of his career: "I won't rest until parents from all communities trust the police to protect their children."

Sir Paul Condon: Lawrence family believes he should resign

His task force is expected to rely on a database which will help track down those responsible for racially motivated crimes.

Sir Paul Condon also announced that those wishing to join the police would be tested for awareness of race issues, and that the numbers of people from minorities stopped and searched, arrested and charged would be monitored.

More Community Safety Units are promised to help victims of race crimes and to tackle "trouble spot" estates.

The police will be submitting its written evidence to the Lawrence inquiry on Saturday.

The first part of the inquiry ended on July 20th and the second part will reopen in September.